HLA-DRB1 and systemic lupus erythematosus: These findings are in accord with studies indicating that the association with HLA-DRB1*1501/HLA-DR2 is either less strong28,29 or even not significantly increased30 in Caucasian or Hispanic cohorts, whereas the strongest evidence of the role of HLA-DR2 in SLE appears to be found in patients of Asian origin.31