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.

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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

Their experiments showed that removing surface proteins known as HLA class 1 molecules allowed NK cells to avoid attack from T cells in the host’s immune system.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2025

“However, HLA does not apply to Metro projects.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 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

McKusick and Hsu were hoping to use somatic-cell hybridization to test the Lacks family for several different genetic markers, including specific proteins called HLA markers.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot