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.

---

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of immune system

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

It is human nature to project our phobias, prejudices and obsessions onto what is simply a biological contest between our immune system and the amoral pathogens trying to replicate themselves within us.

From The Wall Street Journal

M1 macrophages help activate the immune system to fight cancer, while M2 macrophages suppress immune activity and support tumor growth.

From Science Daily

The blood test focuses on how the immune system reacts to flagellin, a protein found on certain gut bacteria.

From Science Daily

"Our experiments show how critical and effective a rapid interferon response is in controlling rhinovirus infection, even without any cells of the immune system present," says first author Bao Wang of Yale School of Medicine.

From Science Daily

The fungus often triggers pneumonia-like illness and is especially hazardous for people with weakened immune systems, including cancer patients and individuals living with HIV.

From Science Daily