immune response

noun

: a bodily response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify the antigenic molecule as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and lymphocytes capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction

Examples of immune response in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
After all, debris from implants is known to trigger local immune responses and even be detectable in the blood and other organs. — Mike McRae 31, New Atlas, 1 Sep. 2026 International trials suggest targeting the immune response could reverse extensive hair loss caused by alopecia areata. — Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 2026 Pacibekitug is an antibody that targets IL-6, or interleukin-6, a protein involved in regulating immune responses. — Andrew Joseph, STAT, 29 Aug. 2026 Pepino suspects that hangovers are the result of a broader immune response. — Shayla Love, New Yorker, 26 Aug. 2026 See All Example Sentences for immune response

Word History

First Known Use

1923, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of immune response was in 1923

Rhymes for immune response

See All Rhymes for immune response

Browse Nearby Words

immuned
immune response
immune surveillance
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Immune response.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immune%20response. Accessed 2 Sep. 2026.

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Kids Definition

immune response

noun
: a bodily response to a foreign substance, cell, or tissue that involves the formation of antibodies and cells capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction

Medical Definition

immune response

noun
: a bodily response to an antigen that occurs when lymphocytes identify the antigenic molecule as foreign and induce the formation of antibodies and lymphocytes capable of reacting with it and rendering it harmless

called also immune reaction

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