HLA-DRB1 and systemic lupus erythematosus: Another important portfolio of genetic risk factors predisposing SLE development are located in genes associated with the MHC especially human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DRB1 in the MHC class II region.151 HLA molecules play vital roles in auto-antibody production, as risk residues associated with the production of characteristic auto-antibodies (i.e., DRB1 residues 11, 13, 30) being located in the peptide-binding groove of HLA-DRB1.