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Human Leukocyte Antigen

Meaning

A complex of genes located on chromosome 6 that encode cell surface proteins responsible for regulating the human immune system, critically involved in the fundamental process of self versus non-self recognition. These highly polymorphic proteins, known as the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) in other species, present peptide fragments to T-lymphocytes, initiating or suppressing adaptive immune responses. Specific HLA types are strongly associated with susceptibility to various autoimmune and endocrine disorders.