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.
These modified beads were far better at avoiding immune responses compared to untreated nanoplastics. Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2025 The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) has emphasized that aluminum in vaccines strengthens the immune response and does not cause autism or other serious health problems. Humberto Basilio, Scientific American, 17 Oct. 2025 Stimulating immune responses against cancer Cancer immunotherapy instructs the patient’s own immune system to fight the disease. Richard J. Price, The Conversation, 15 Oct. 2025 Immune cells also invaded the testes, and inflammatory genes were switched on, indicating that the infection triggered an immune response in an organ that’s usually protected from such activity. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 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

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Immune response.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immune%20response. Accessed 18 Oct. 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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!