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

In the gut are a subset of specialized antigen-presenting cells called dendritic cells (DCs) that prime immune responses crucial to the development of food allergies. —New Atlas, 21 Dec. 2024

The drug is used safely to tamp down over-active immune responses in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, as well as to treat and prevent malaria. —Eduardo Cuevas, USA TODAY, 18 Dec. 2024

Amino acids found in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and protective plant compounds also support overall immune response. —Jillian Kubala, Health, 16 Dec. 2024

Allergic reactions to milk are immune responses to proteins—whey and casein—in the milk, unlike lactose intolerance reactions which produce gut symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, constipation and abdominal cramping. —David Faris, Newsweek, 4 Nov. 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