Gene polymorphisms associated with RA progression, including AIF-1, ESR a (ESR1) and ESR b (ESR2), PTPN22, HLA-DRB1 and HLA-DQB1, TGFB1, TLR4, CXCL9 and CXCL10, were also included in the pharmacogenetic marker studies of MTX response in RA patients. The gene discussed is HLA-DRB1; the disease is rheumatoid arthritis.