HLA

noun

ˌāch-(ˌ)el-ˈā 

1

: the major histocompatibility complex in humans

2

: a genetic locus, gene, or antigen of HLA

—often used with one or more letters to designate a locus or with letters and a number to designate an allele at the locus or the antigen corresponding to the locus and allele

Examples of HLA in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And then another challenge is relatives have shared HLA homology. — Torie Bosch, STAT, 1 June 2026

Additionally, your body has 12 unique HLA markers, creating millions of possible combinations for doctors to consider when searching for a match. — Danielle Genet, ABC News, 26 Mar. 2026

He is represented by Mgmt Entertainment’s Kesselman, HLA Management, and UTA. — Matt Grobar, Deadline, 11 June 2026

For the next version of the genetic risk score test, the plan is to incorporate specific HLA types present in Africans, East Asians, and several other groups, says Hagopian, who collaborates with Oram. — Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

human leukocyte antigen

First Known Use

1968, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

HLA

noun

variants also HL-A

ˌā-(ˌ)chel-ˈā 

1

: the major histocompatibility complex in humans

2

: a genetic locus, gene, or antigen of the major histocompatibility complex in humans

—often used attributively

HLA antigens

HLA typing

—often used with one or more letters to designate a locus or with letters and a number to designate an allele at the locus or the antigen corresponding to the locus and allele

relationship … between HLA-B27 antigen and ankylosing spondylitis

—G. E. Ehrlich

Etymology

human leukocyte antigen