autoimmune

American  

[aw-toh-i-myoon] / ˌɔ toʊ ɪˈmyun /

adjective

Immunology.

1. of or relating to the immune response of an organism against any of its own tissues, cells, or cell components.

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autoimmune British  

/ ˌɔːtəʊɪˈmjuːn /

adjective

1. (of a disease) caused by the action of antibodies produced against substances normally present in the body

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Other Word Forms

• autoimmunity noun

Etymology

Origin of autoimmune

First recorded in 1950–55; auto- ¹ + immune

Example Sentences

"It's possible this could explain the higher prevalence of autoimmune diseases in women," Cao speculates.

From Science Daily

There are other types of hair loss, like the autoimmune condition alopecia areata, which is treated with JAK inhibitors, steroids or minoxidil.

From MarketWatch

Researchers have uncovered a promising new treatment target for a severe autoimmune brain disorder.

From Science Daily

Worse, she had begun to suffer symptoms of what was ultimately diagnosed as Graves’ disease, a serious autoimmune condition that attacks the thyroid.

From Los Angeles Times

The captain for one of the nation’s up-and-coming teams was battling a rare autoimmune disease—and needed a substitute.

From The Wall Street Journal