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

This immune response results in chronic high blood sugar for diabetes patients, which can lead to other serious health conditions. —Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 10 Oct. 2024

The shot is absorbed in the muscle where there is more blood, which theoretically can enter the bloodstream and induce an immune response. —Omer Awan, Forbes, 6 Oct. 2024

Plus, people age 65 and older generally receive one of several stronger flu vaccines to generate the most robust immune response; one of them includes four times the amount of immune-activating flu antigens. —Alice Park, TIME, 27 Sep. 2024

The study’s findings parallel those of two papers released this year that suggest immune responses to the mpox virus can wane within one year after vaccination. —Jacqueline Howard, CNN, 13 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

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