HLA

American  

Immunology.

1. human leukocyte antigen: any of a complex of genetically determined antigens, occurring on the surface of almost every human cell, by which one person's cells can be distinguished from another's and the histocompatibility and genetic likeness of any two persons can be established: the major histocompatibility antigen of humans.

---

Etymology

Origin of HLA

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

“In 2024, voters approved measure HLA by a two-thirds margin. It requires the city must follow its own mobility plan … to make roads safer for cyclists, for pedestrians, for better transit.”

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 24, 2026

“Measure HLA does not apply when non-city entities, public or private, carry out their own projects in the City’s streets,” L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2025

“It’s a good thing to bring everyone together, consolidate a million committees and lead in one direction,” said Michael Schneider, executive director of Streets for All, who successfully pushed for Measure HLA.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2024

In celiac disease, two specific HLA proteins, namely HLA-DQ2 and HLA-DQ8, are strongly associated with the condition.

From Science Daily • May 16, 2024

All people have multiple types of HLA, which means that they can bring almost every potential problem to the attention of their leukocytes.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann