autoimmune
adjective
au·to·im·mune ˌȯ-tō-im-ˈyün 
: of, relating to, or caused by autoantibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them
autoimmune diseases
autoimmunity
ˌȯ-tō-im-ˈyü-nə-tē
noun autoimmunization
ˌȯ-tō-ˌim-yə-nə-ˈzā-shən
noun also -im-ˌyü-
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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.
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web So, does that mean that everyone who gets severe COVID-19 develops an autoimmune disorder? 
Matthew Woodruff, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2022 With Sjogren's syndrome, which is classified as an autoimmune disorder, the body attacks the glands that make tears and saliva, but can also damage other parts of the body, including the joints, thyroid, kidneys, liver, and more. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 29 Aug. 2022 Getting a diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder such as vasculitis can also impact someone's mental health. Julia Métraux, Allure, 26 Aug. 2022 If a person has an autoimmune disorder, that means their immune system attacks their body instead of protecting it, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY, 9 Aug. 2022 Ashton Kutcher revealed that an autoimmune disorder took away his vision, hearing and ability to walk. Kenan Draughorne, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2022 Mandy Moore is opening up about her autoimmune disorder, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Whitney Perry, Glamour, 30 July 2022 In a Today Parents interview published on Friday, the This Is Us star, 38, opened up about not being able to receive an epidural during childbirth due to an autoimmune disorder called immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE.com, 29 July 2022 The autoimmune disorder is when the immune system attacks muscle and fat tissue behind the eyes causing inflammation and scar tissue. Essence, 25 July 2022 See More
Matthew Woodruff, The Conversation, 31 Aug. 2022 With Sjogren's syndrome, which is classified as an autoimmune disorder, the body attacks the glands that make tears and saliva, but can also damage other parts of the body, including the joints, thyroid, kidneys, liver, and more. Vanessa Etienne, Peoplemag, 29 Aug. 2022 Getting a diagnosis of an autoimmune disorder such as vasculitis can also impact someone's mental health. Julia Métraux, Allure, 26 Aug. 2022 If a person has an autoimmune disorder, that means their immune system attacks their body instead of protecting it, according to the Cleveland Clinic. Marina Pitofsky, USA TODAY, 9 Aug. 2022 Ashton Kutcher revealed that an autoimmune disorder took away his vision, hearing and ability to walk. Kenan Draughorne, Los Angeles Times, 8 Aug. 2022 Mandy Moore is opening up about her autoimmune disorder, immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Whitney Perry, Glamour, 30 July 2022 In a Today Parents interview published on Friday, the This Is Us star, 38, opened up about not being able to receive an epidural during childbirth due to an autoimmune disorder called immune thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). Stephanie Wenger, PEOPLE.com, 29 July 2022 The autoimmune disorder is when the immune system attacks muscle and fat tissue behind the eyes causing inflammation and scar tissue. Essence, 25 July 2022 See More Word History
First Known Use
1952, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
autoimmune
adjective
au·to·im·mune -im-ˈyün
: of, relating to, or caused by antibodies or T cells that attack molecules, cells, or tissues of the organism producing them
autoimmune diseases