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

But a smaller, unlucky percentage of people will get allergy symptoms as the body overreacts and triggers an immune response when pollen enters the nose, eyes, lungs or even settles on skin. —Hayleigh Evans, The Arizona Republic, 21 Sep. 2024

Anything abnormal in your lymph—whether that’s bacteria, a virus, or something else—is subject to that screening process and immune response, which is why a variety of illnesses can cause swollen lymph nodes. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 30 Oct. 2024

Some scientists think drug habits are the byproduct of an overactive immune response instead of chemical imbalance. —Melvin Backman, Quartz, 9 Oct. 2024

Older people are among the most at risk from flu, but current vaccines are less effective in higher age groups, as their immune response tends to be weaker. —Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 3 Oct. 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