autoimmune
adjective
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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
Merve Ceylan, Health, 7 June 2025
This autoimmune disease primarily affects the salivary and tear glands, resulting in dry mouth and dry eyes.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 6 June 2025
While areas like fertility, contraception, and menopause have received more attention in recent years, conditions that affect women differently or disproportionately—such as autoimmune disease, cardiovascular disease, and cognitive decline—are even more underfunded and under-researched.
—Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 5 June 2025
Four out of five people living with autoimmune diseases are women.
—Christine Brennan, Boston Herald, 31 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for autoimmune
Cite this Entry
“Autoimmune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autoimmune. Accessed 14 Jun. 2025.
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autoimmune
adjective
Medical Definition
autoimmune
adjective
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