Objective
The role of HLA class II molecules in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. HLA class II molecules are involved in the interaction between T and B lymphocytes required for long-lived B-cell responses and generation of high-affinity IgG antibodies. The relationship between HLA class II polymorphisms and RA-specific IgG anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (CCP) antibodies was investigated.