immune system

American  

noun

Anatomy.

1. a diffuse, complex network of interacting cells, cell products, and cell-forming tissues that protects the body from pathogens and other foreign substances, destroys infected and malignant cells, and removes cellular debris: the system includes the thymus, spleen, lymph nodes and lymph tissue, stem cells, white blood cells, antibodies, and lymphokines.

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immune system Scientific  

1. The body system in humans and other animals that protects the organism by distinguishing foreign tissue and neutralizing potentially pathogenic organisms or substances. The immune system includes organs such as the skin and mucous membranes, which provide an external barrier to infection, cells involved in the immune response, such as lymphocytes, and cell products such as lymphokines.

2. See also autoimmune disease immune response

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immune system Cultural  

1. The system in the body that works to ward off infection and disease. Central to this system are the white blood cells. Some white blood cells produce antibodies in response to specific antigens that may invade the body; others function as scavengers to fight infection by destroying bacteria and removing dead cells.

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Etymology

Origin of immune system

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

It plays roles in regulating the immune system, metabolism, and reproductive processes.

From Science Daily

When you get injured, your immune system sends certain white blood cells to calm pain-sensing neurons and inflammation.

From The Wall Street Journal

Vaccines help the immune system respond more effectively to infections, which reduces how severe the illness becomes.

From Science Daily

CD8 killer T cells are vital to the immune system because they locate and destroy virus infected cells and cancer cells.

From Science Daily

The most widely used COVID-19 vaccines may offer a surprise benefit for some cancer patients by boosting their immune systems to help fight tumors.

From Los Angeles Times