HISTOCOMPATIBILITY ANTIGENS -
Noun: A group of proteins that are naturally present within tissues and that have a role in the immune system . The main group of histocompatibility antigens is known as the HLA . Histocompatibility antigens within the HLA - A, B and C range are present on virtually all living cells in the body. They are essential for the function of the killer T cells . The HLA antigens act as a guide for killer T cells to recognise and kill abnormal cells (i.e. virus infected and tumour cells). The Histocompatibility antigens within the HLA - D series are present on the surfaces of various other cells with a defence role and influence the interactions of these cells in fighting infections and tumours.

Greek - histo = web (due to the web like nature of tissue) +

Latin - com = with +

Latin - pati = suffer +

Greek - anti = opposing +

Greek - genês = born or something produced

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