[Current state of HIV treatment]

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Virology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for managing HIV infection.
• ART targets viral enzymes, entry mechanisms, or capsid function.
• Effective viral suppression is key for immune restoration and preventing transmission.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current landscape of antiretroviral therapy for HIV.
• To highlight advancements in ART, including new drug classes and administration methods.
• To discuss the long-term management and limitations of current HIV treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of antiretroviral drug mechanisms and combinations.
• Discussion of standard ART, dual combinations, and novel long-acting regimens.
• Consideration of rescue therapy for treatment-experienced patients.

Main Results:

• ART effectively suppresses viral replication in most patients.
• Newer integrase inhibitors allow for effective dual ART combinations.
• Long-acting injectable ART and rescue therapies offer new options for specific patient groups.

Conclusions:

• Current ART regimens are highly effective in controlling human immunodeficiency virus infection.
• While ART does not eliminate viral reservoirs or cure HIV, it enables long-term management.
• Ongoing research aims to improve treatment strategies and explore potential cures.