A 36-year-old woman presents with pain, aching, stiffness, and swelling in her hands for 6 months. She reports a family history of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Which of the following most closely describes the pathophysiology of RA?

RA is a connective tissue disease caused by a bacterial infection.

RA is an autoimmune disorder that results in joint inflammation caused by infection of the Epstein-Barr virus.

RA is an autoimmune disorder in which inflammation of the synovium leads to joint destruction and deformity.

RA is a progressive disease that damages or destroys synovial joint structure and articular cartilage of the joints.