Distinct amino acid sequences at positions 70 and 40 in certain DRB1 alleles are linked to RA, corroborating the ‘shared epitope’ hypothesis as a known RA risk factor.21 Research has shown that the presence of the DRB1 allele correlates with early disease onset, the occurrence of extra-articular symptoms, and increased radiographic damage.22 However, the genetic predisposition in EORA remains a subject of conflicting and inconsistent findings.23 Here, HLA-DRB1 is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.