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

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

“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

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

Which means that unless an HLA lugs an invading virus to where the leukocyte can notice it, that part of the immune system cannot know it exists, let alone attack it.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann