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

Hypothyroidism could also be caused by: Congenital hypothyroidism Surgical removal, or partial removal, of the thyroid Radiation treatment of the thyroid Certain medications Disorders of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus Iodine deficiency Other autoimmune diseases:What is vasculitis? —Caroline C. Boyle, USA TODAY, 17 Jan. 2025

The report moves beyond reproductive health to highlight a vast, untapped market encompassing conditions that uniquely, disproportionately, or differently affect women, ranging from autoimmune diseases and Alzheimer's to cardiovascular conditions. —Geri Stengel, Forbes, 14 Jan. 2025

Another cause of chronic inflammation is autoimmune disease, which occurs when the body cannot recognize its own cells and has an immune response to eliminate them.6 Chronic inflammation can also be metabolic inflammation (meta-inflammation). —Merve Ceylan, Health, 14 Jan. 2025

Tens of thousands of women had sued the company, claiming their implants had given them breast cancer and autoimmune diseases. —Trip Gabriel, New York Times, 9 Jan. 2025

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