autoimmune

adjective

au·​to·​im·​mune ˌȯ-tō-im-ˈyün 

: of, relating to, or caused by autoantibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them

autoimmune diseases

autoimmunity

ˌȯ-tō-im-ˈyü-nə-tē 

noun

autoimmunization

ˌȯ-tō-ˌim-yə-nə-ˈzā-shən 

also -im-ˌyü-

noun

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Any healthy body produces a variety of antibodies, proteins in the blood whose job is to protect the body from unwanted bacteria, viruses, and cancer cells. The cells and organs that deal with such infections make up the immune system. In some people and animals, for various reasons, the antibodies become overactive and turn on the body's healthy tissues as well; the result is an autoimmune disease—an immune response directed against one's own self. More than eighty autoimmune diseases have been identified, the best-known being type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Examples of autoimmune in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Her patient had IgA nephropathy (IgAN), an autoimmune disease that is an important cause of kidney failure. —Charles Schmidt, Scientific American, 17 Mar. 2026

The Cleveland Clinic trial — sponsored by the drug company Bristol Myers Squibb — has recruited four people with MS as well as three people with another autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis. —Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC news, 15 Mar. 2026

The petitions include autoimmune, cardiac and cognitive impairments that more and more 9/11 survivors are suffering from, the letter notes. —Thomas Tracy, New York Daily News, 14 Mar. 2026

The autoimmune disease can affect nearly every organ system—including the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs and brain—and typically follows a relapsing-remitting pattern, meaning symptoms flare and quiet down over time. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 13 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

auto- + immune, after autoimmunity, borrowed from French auto-immunité

First Known Use

1952, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

autoimmune

adjective

au·​to·​im·​mune ˌȯt-ō-im-ˈyün 

: relating to or caused by an abnormal condition in which an organism's immune system attacks and destroys parts of its own cells or tissues

multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease

Medical Definition

autoimmune

adjective

au·​to·​im·​mune -im-ˈyün 

: of, relating to, or caused by antibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them

autoimmune diseases