human leukocyte antigen

noun

: any of various proteins that are encoded by genes of the major histocompatibility complex in humans and are found on the surface of many cell types (such as white blood cells)

broadly : hla sense 2

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The main architects of this process are a set of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, which code for molecules that fine-tune the body’s immune response. —

Elizabeth Svoboda, Discover Magazine, 12 June 2020 Among the main drivers of our innate immune response is a set of genes known as the HLA (human leukocyte antigen) complex. —

Elizabeth Svoboda, Discover Magazine, 16 Apr. 2020 Current understandings of autoimmune arthritis suggest that the disease relates to a set of genes called human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II. —

William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2022 In a further analysis, researchers looked at changes to genes that make up the human leukocyte antigen, or HLA, complex. —

Brenda Goodman, CNN, 26 July 2022 Traditionally, such a donor must have a close enough human leukocyte antigen, or HLA, match to maximize the likelihood that the stem cell transplant will engraft well. —

NBC News, 16 Feb. 2022 Researchers have pinpointed a family of genes called the human leukocyte antigen (HLA) complex as a possible contributor to psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. —

Korin Miller, SELF, 18 May 2021 The most important elements are human leukocyte antigen (HLA) proteins on the body’s cells. —

Ginny Graves, Good Housekeeping, 17 Nov. 2020 In addition to genetic variants of the ACE2 receptor, scientists want to see whether differences in the human leukocyte antigen genes, which influence the immune system’s response to viruses and bacteria, affect disease severity. —

Jocelyn Kaiser, Science | AAAS, 27 Mar. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'human leukocyte antigen.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of human leukocyte antigen was in 1978

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Dictionary Entries Near human leukocyte antigen

humankind

human leukocyte antigen

humanly

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“Human leukocyte antigen.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human%20leukocyte%20antigen. Accessed 29 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

human leukocyte antigen

noun

: any of various proteins that are encoded by genes of the major histocompatibility complex in humans and are found on the surface of many cell types (as white blood cells)

broadly : hla sense 2