human leukocyte antigen
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.
- Genetic Home Reference - Human leukocyte antigens
- National Center for Biotechnology Information - Biochemistry, HLA Antigens
- MSD Manual Professional Edition - Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) System
- Frontiers - Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA) and Immune Regulation: How Do Classical and Non-Classical HLA Alleles Modulate Immune Response to Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Hepatitis C Virus Infections?
- Verywell Health - HLA Typing: Purpose, Genetics, Procedure, Interpretation
- Key People:
- Jean Dausset
- Related Topics:
- major histocompatibility complex
- histocompatibility antigen
human leukocyte antigen (HLA), any of the numerous antigens (substances capable of stimulating an immune response) involved in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in humans. The HLA genes encode the cell-surface proteins that are part of the MHC.
HLA antigens are programmed by a highly variable gene complex consisting of more than 200 genes, all of which occur on chromosome 6. HLA genes are divided into three distinct groups: class I, class II, and class III. The possibility of numerous variations in these genes serves a key role in providing the immune system with the ability to defend against a wide range of antigens.
The HLA system is useful in tissue typing, in which tissues from one individual are analyzed to determine whether they can be successfully transplanted to another individual. A number of HLA genes are associated with human diseases, including certain autoimmune disorders and cancer.