Some susceptibility genes associated with the development of RA include HLA-DRB1, PTPN22, AFF3, CD28, CD40, CTLA4, IL2RA, IL2, IL21, PRKCQ, STAT4, TAGAP, REL, TNFAIP3, TRAF1, BLK, CCL21, FCGR2A, PADI4, and PRDM1 (30). Here, BLK is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.