Malignant tumors seriously endanger human health and life, and restrict economic development. Human leukocyte antigen (HLA) is the expression product of the human major histocompatibility complex, which, at present, is the most complex known polymorphic system. The polymorphism and expression of HLA molecules have been demonstrated to be associated with the occurrence and development of tumors. HLA molecules can regulate the proliferation of tumor cells and inhibit antitumor immunity. In the present review, the structure and function of HLA molecules, the polymorphism and expression of HLA in tumor tissue, the roles of HLA in tumor cells and tumor immunity, and the potential clinical application of HLA in tumor immunotherapy are summarized. The overall aim of the present review is to provide relevant information for the development of antitumor immunotherapies involving HLA in the clinic.
Keywords: human leukocyte antigen; immunotherapy; polymorphism; prognosis; tumorigenesis.