What Does HLA Stand For?

HLA stands for Human Leukocyte Antigen

HLA, or Human Leukocyte Antigen, refers to a group of proteins that are essential for the immune system's ability to recognize foreign substances. These antigens are located on the surface of white blood cells and play a critical role in the body's immune response by presenting peptide fragments from pathogens to T cells. HLA genes are highly polymorphic, which contributes to the diversity of the immune response across individuals. Understanding HLA compatibility is particularly important in organ transplantation and hematopoietic stem cell therapy, as mismatches can lead to transplant rejection or graft-versus-host disease.

Other Meanings for HLA