noun
- a condition in which the body’s immune system attacks its own healthy cells and tissues
Usage: medical
Examples
- The patient’s autoimmunity caused her joints to become inflamed and painful.
- Researchers are studying the genetic factors that contribute to autoimmunity.
- Type 1 diabetes is caused by autoimmunity affecting insulin-producing cells.
- The doctor explained that autoimmunity occurs when the immune system malfunctions.
- New treatments aim to suppress autoimmunity without compromising overall immune function.
- Scientists believe stress and infections may trigger autoimmunity in susceptible individuals.