On this line, the MHC class II molecules HLA-DQB1 and HLA-DRB1, along with the MCH class I HLA-C, have been recently associated with resistance to systemic autoimmune diseases, such as systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis35,36. The gene discussed is HLA-DRB1; the disease is systemic sclerosis.