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

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

The team noted that further analyses were unable to identify any characteristic at the start of the trial that predicted treatment response, including age, specific immune system genes known as human leukocyte antigens (HLA), body mass index (BMI) or number of autoantibodies. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 18 Sep. 2025

Its high-response linear actuator (HLA) focus motor snaps between near and far-off subjects in an instant, even with the a7R IV's autofocus system, which isn't as speedy as more recent Sony and L-mount cameras. —PC Magazine, 9 Sep. 2025

Genetics: Some forms of pemphigus are associated with mutations of the HLA genes and other genes. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 10 Aug. 2025

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

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