autoimmune
adjective
Did you know?
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
Sarah Jividen, Verywell Health, 29 July 2025
People with dairy allergies or certain autoimmune conditions may also want to steer clear of cottage cheese, notes Rael, as dairy proteins can trigger inflammation and other reactions in sensitive individuals.
—Daryl Austin, USA Today, 29 July 2025
An autoimmune condition that causes joint pain, inflammation, fatigue, and skin symptoms like psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis affects both the body and mind.
—Chloe Castleberry, Flow Space, 25 July 2025
That’s huge, since chronic inflammation is linked to a range of diseases, like cancer, cardiovascular issues, and autoimmune conditions.
—Korin Miller, SELF, 24 July 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 2 Aug. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
autoimmune
adjective
Medical Definition
autoimmune
adjective
Share