autoimmune
adjective
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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.
Examples of autoimmune in a Sentence
Alexandra Del Rosario, Los Angeles Times, 5 June 2024
Some medical conditions, such as thyroid disease and some autoimmune illnesses, can cause cognitive issues.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 10 May 2024
She was tested for cancer and autoimmune diseases, but an exact diagnosis remains a mystery.
—Daniela Avila, Peoplemag, 2 May 2024
But Take Note One of our editors wore these socks for hours at a time to help improve symptoms related to her autoimmune disease.
—Laura Lu, Ms, Parents, 21 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for autoimmune 
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'autoimmune.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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“Autoimmune.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autoimmune. Accessed 8 Jun. 2024.
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autoimmune
adjective
Medical Definition
autoimmune
adjective
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