1. foreign material or tissue that is recognized by the immune system as not belonging to the organism
Usage: medical; immunology

1. relating to or being foreign material not recognized as part of the organism by the immune system
Usage: medical; immunology

Examples

• The immune system attacks nonself proteins to protect the body from infection.
• Transplanted organs are rejected because they contain nonself antigens.
• T cells learn to distinguish between self and nonself molecules during development.
• The body’s ability to recognize nonself material is crucial for fighting disease.
• Nonself recognition helps the immune system identify potential threats.
• Vaccines work by introducing nonself proteins that trigger immune responses.