Compared to controls, the frequencies of SE positive alleles (the sum of DRB1*0401, *0404, *0407, *0409 and *0410) were higher significantly in RA patients than the control group (OR 3.41, 95% CI 2.35–4.95, P < 0.0001). Here, HLA-DRB1 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.