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

In the soon-to-start lupus study, Caribou intends to use HLA partial matching between patients and the donor T cells that could improve outcomes, the company said. —Meghana Keshavan, STAT, 5 Apr. 2024

Also, the changes in HLA genes only explain about 40% of the genetic risk for type 1 diabetes. —Amanda Gardner, Health, 20 Nov. 2023

In the last five years, researchers have identified a deeper level within HLA called eplet matching that seems to make a big difference. —Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 6 Sep. 2023

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