autoimmune

[aw-toh-i-myoon]

adjective

Immunology.

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

autoimmune

/ ˌɔːtəʊɪˈmjuːn /

adjective

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

Other Word Forms

• autoimmunity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of autoimmune¹

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

Example Sentences

Today, mRNA vaccines are also being developed to prevent or treat diseases including HIV and cancer, as well as autoimmune and genetic diseases.

From Salon

And he accomplished his most significant work without the use of his hands or legs, which became effectively paralyzed after he contracted a rare and debilitating autoimmune condition called Guillain-Barré syndrome in 2003.

From Los Angeles Times

Initially, the company’s products primarily served people with Type 1 diabetes, an autoimmune disease that typically develops in adolescence.

From Los Angeles Times

Following a severe battle with autoimmune encephalitis in 2022, which left Burton in a medically induced coma for 25 days, she returned to rugby and was first capped earlier this year.

From BBC

Nine-time Grand Slam champion Monica Seles has revealed she was diagnosed with myasthenia gravis - a neuromuscular autoimmune disease - three years ago.

From BBC