HLA
noun
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
More specifically, the researchers found a reduced diversity of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, which help support immune health.
—
Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
Like the earlier studies, the Harvard study found a hotspot of activity at the MHC/HLA region of the genome (about 20 percent of the signals came from this area).
—Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Sigma uses its fastest high-response linear actuator (HLA) autofocus motor in the 300-600mm F4, which makes sense given the typical use cases: fast-moving action in team or individual sports and unpredictable wildlife.
—PC Magazine, 19 May 2025
Unless your donor is a twin, their HLA markers will be different from yours.3
Before a stem cell transplant, healthcare providers check your cells' compatibility with the donor cells.
—Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 2 May 2025
Mea culpa: An earlier version of this newsletter incorrectly named the committees that will meet jointly this week to discuss Measure HLA.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025
Alex Mena, executive editor of the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald and Florida regional editor for McClatchy, received this year’s South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s HLA Communications Award.
—Pedro Portal, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
The 300-600mm comes with an impressive list of specs and features, including 5.5 stops of stabilization at 600mm, full weather sealing, rear filter support, and HLA linear focus.
—Jim Fisher, PCMAG, 24 Feb. 2025
On the docket for next week: Once more with feeling: The council’s transportation and public works committees meet jointly on Wednesday to discuss the effort to implement Measure HLA, the bus and bike lane measure.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025
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Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 May 2025
Like the earlier studies, the Harvard study found a hotspot of activity at the MHC/HLA region of the genome (about 20 percent of the signals came from this area).
—Kermit Pattison, Scientific American, 20 May 2025
Sigma uses its fastest high-response linear actuator (HLA) autofocus motor in the 300-600mm F4, which makes sense given the typical use cases: fast-moving action in team or individual sports and unpredictable wildlife.
—PC Magazine, 19 May 2025
Unless your donor is a twin, their HLA markers will be different from yours.3
Before a stem cell transplant, healthcare providers check your cells' compatibility with the donor cells.
—Suchandrima Bhowmik, Health, 2 May 2025
Mea culpa: An earlier version of this newsletter incorrectly named the committees that will meet jointly this week to discuss Measure HLA.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025
Alex Mena, executive editor of the Miami Herald and el Nuevo Herald and Florida regional editor for McClatchy, received this year’s South Florida Hispanic Chamber of Commerce’s HLA Communications Award.
—Pedro Portal, Miami Herald, 15 Mar. 2025
The 300-600mm comes with an impressive list of specs and features, including 5.5 stops of stabilization at 600mm, full weather sealing, rear filter support, and HLA linear focus.
—Jim Fisher, PCMAG, 24 Feb. 2025
On the docket for next week: Once more with feeling: The council’s transportation and public works committees meet jointly on Wednesday to discuss the effort to implement Measure HLA, the bus and bike lane measure.
—David Zahniser, Los Angeles Times, 22 Feb. 2025
Cite this Entry
“HLA.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/HLA. Accessed 18 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
HLA
noun
variants
also HL-A
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
G. E. EhrlichEtymology
human leukocyte antigen
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