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
Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 25 Dec. 2025
May Manage Rheumatoid Arthritis Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that causes the immune system to mistakenly attack healthy cells.
—Cynthia Sass, Health, 23 Dec. 2025
Plasma is used for cancer patients, trauma and burn victims and to help people with autoimmune diseases.
—Kathy Kristof, San Diego Union-Tribune, 22 Dec. 2025
Meanwhile, Amgen will expand its existing direct-to-patient program to include preventative migraine medication Aimovig and autoimmune treatment Amjevita, at 60% and 80% discounted monthly prices, respectively.
—Annika Kim Constantino,elsa Ohlen, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Autoimmune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autoimmune. Accessed 31 Dec. 2025.
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autoimmune
adjective
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autoimmune
adjective
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