The HLA-DRB1*07:01 allele has been linked as a risk factor for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in the Malaysian population [20], whereas in the Chilean population, HLA-DRB1*07:01 had a protective role in anti-citrullinated protein antibodies-positive rheumatoid arthritis [21]. Here, HLA-DRB1 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.