autoimmune
AW-toh-ih-MYOON
/ˌɔːtoʊɪˈmjuːn/
Relating to a disease or condition caused by an immune response against the body's own healthy tissues.
Specific to internal immune system misdirection where self-tolerance breaks down.
The story behind the word. Combines Greek 'auto-' (self) with Latin 'immunis' (exempt). German physician Paul Ehrlich originally considered self-attack impossible, naming it 'horror autotoxicus'. The term autoimmune was formulated mid-20th century as autoimmune pathologies were proven.
Word relationships
- immunopathological: Immunopathological covers any immune system damage, including allergies, whereas autoimmune specifically refers to self-attacking immune responses.
- immunotolerant: Immunotolerant describes an immune system that correctly recognizes and spares self-tissues.
Commonly confused with
- immunodeficient: Immunodeficient means having an underactive immune defense, while autoimmune means having an immune system attacking self-cells.
Word family
- autoimmunity (noun): The state of immune response directed against host tissues
Collocations
- autoimmune disease
- autoimmune response
- autoimmune disorder
- autoimmune flare-up
Example sentences
- "In autoimmune diseases like Type 1 diabetes, T cells destroy insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas." Clinical case description
- "Researchers are investigating why autoimmune conditions disproportionately affect women compared to men." Medical news article
Memory hook
AUTO-immune = Automatic attack on oneself. Self-attacking immune system
When not to use
Do not use to describe simple immunodeficiency (where immune function is weak or absent). Autoimmune means hyperactive and misdirected.
Fun facts
- There are over 80 distinct autoimmune conditions, including lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and celiac disease.
- Paul Ehrlich won the Nobel Prize in 1908 partly for asserting that host tissues are normally protected from auto-destruction.
Related words
Explore more words
idiopathic, degenerative, therapeutic, asymptomatic, pathogenesis, introspective
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