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.
In some cases, your body may recognize the hyaluronic acid in fillers as a foreign substance that also requires an immune response, leading to swelling, nodules or other inflammatory reactions. — Leslie Baumann, Miami Herald, 20 Mar. 2025 Pediatricians typically administer the first dose of the MMR vaccine at 12 months because research has shown that’s the age when the immune response is best, says Dr. Devika Bhushan, a pediatrician and former acting Surgeon General of California. — Fortesa Latifi, Rolling Stone, 20 Mar. 2025 The study team found that the vaccine was generally well tolerated by all and produced an immune response in most patients. — Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 13 Mar. 2025 Li and his colleagues found that the molecule can shape physiological processes in pandas’ bodies, including growth, biological rhythms, behavior and immune responses. — Chris Lau, CNN, 28 Feb. 2025 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

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Browse Nearby Words

immuned
immune response
immune surveillance
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Cite this Entry

“Immune response.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/immune%20response. Accessed 30 Mar. 2025.

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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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