autoimmunity

views updated May 23 2018

autoimmunity A disorder of the body's defence mechanisms in which an immune response is elicited against its own tissues, which are thereby damaged or destroyed. Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, myasthenia gravis, and several forms of thyroid dysfunction are examples of autoimmune diseases.

autoimmunity

views updated Jun 27 2018

autoimmunity (aw-toh-i-mewn-iti) n. a disorder of the body's defence mechanisms in which an immune response is generated against components or products of its own tissues, treating them as foreign material and attacking them. See autoimmune disease, immunity.

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