immune response

noun

: a bodily response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify the antigenic molecule as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and lymphocytes capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction

Examples of immune response in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Laser machines release fast pulses of energy that heat and break the ink down into tinier particles, triggering an immune response that processes them through the lymphatic system. Jacqui Palumbo, CNN Money, 8 Apr. 2025 But even without an antibody treatment, our group has found that opening the blood-brain barrier with focused ultrasound alone induces an intrinsic immune response in the brain that reduces beta amyloid and tau. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 28 Mar. 2025 In fact, a measles infection has the ability to wipe out immune responses built up against other infections—a phenomenon called immune amnesia, driven by the destruction of memory T- and B-cells. Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025 The conclusions are based on animal models and blood tests that measure the immune response. Will Stone, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for immune response

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immune response was in 1923

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Cite this Entry

“Immune response.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immune%20response. Accessed 3 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

immune response

noun
: a bodily response to a foreign substance, cell, or tissue that involves the formation of antibodies and cells capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction

Medical Definition

immune response

noun
: a bodily response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify the antigenic molecule as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and lymphocytes capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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