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

Among older Brazilians alone, researchers identified more than 2,000 mobile element insertions and over 140 HLA alleles missing from global genomic databases.

From Science Daily • Jan. 8, 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

HLA requires the city add wider sidewalks, bike lanes and make other improvements it recommended in its mobility plan every time the streets are repaved.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2024

These keratinocytes were engineered to express a specific variant of the HLA gene called HLA-B*57:01, which specifically bind to the antiviral drug abacavir.

From Science Daily • May 15, 2024

European populations have at least thirty-five main HLA classes, whereas Indian groups have no more than seventeen.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann