Definition

A common cell surface marker that is part of the set of HLA antigens that make up a person’s tissue type. HLA antigens are found on the surface of most cells in the body, and they play an important role in the body’s immune response to foreign substances. The HLA-A*02:01 antigen is also found on the surface of some types of cancer cells, such as some melanoma cells, which may help trigger the immune system to destroy the cancer cells.