Meta-analysis of human leukocyte antigen genetic polymorphisms and susceptibility to chronic myelogenous leukemia in Chinese population

► We assessed the relevance between HLA alleles and CML in Chinese population. ► A totality of 2281 CML cases and 41000 health controls was analyzed. ► HLA-A*11, A*74, HLA-B*40, B*47, B*55 and B*81 alleles increased the risk of CML. ► Nevertheless, HLA-DRB1*13 allele may contribute to the genetic protection to CML. ► Therefore certain HLA alleles may be associated with the pathogenesis of CML in Chinese.