HLA

American  

Immunology.

1. human leukocyte antigen: any of a complex of genetically determined antigens, occurring on the surface of almost every human cell, by which one person's cells can be distinguished from another's and the histocompatibility and genetic likeness of any two persons can be established: the major histocompatibility antigen of humans.

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Etymology

Origin of HLA

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Their experiments showed that removing surface proteins known as HLA class 1 molecules allowed NK cells to avoid attack from T cells in the host’s immune system.

From Science Daily • Oct. 11, 2025

“Measure HLA does not apply when non-city entities, public or private, carry out their own projects in the City’s streets,” L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 10, 2025

But the scope of Measure HLA — the citywide initiative to follow through on what L.A.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 3, 2025

HLA requires the city add wider sidewalks, bike lanes and make other improvements it recommended in its mobility plan every time the streets are repaved.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 16, 2024

By testing Henrietta’s children, they hoped to find out what Henrietta’s HLA markers might have been, so they could use those to identify her cells.

From "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot