[Current state of HIV treatment]

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the most important part of treatment for HIV-positive individuals. Antiretroviral drugs are divided into groups according to their mechanism of action and chemical structure. Most of them block the function of three viral enzymes, others prevent the virus from entering the cell through three different mechanisms, and one drug disrupts the function of the capsid. In most patients, viral replication is suppressed, which is a prerequisite for the restoration or maintenance of adequate immune system function. Treatment is also important for restricting the transmission of infection to other people. Although treatment prevents the typical health complications of HIV infection associated with immunodeficiency, it does not completely suppress the activation of the immune system and thus the risk of non-AIDS complications. Antiretrovirals are administered in combinations, typically in a triple combination, but thanks to the resilience of new integrase inhibitors to the development of resistance, dual combinations are also sufficiently effective. A novel treatment for virologically suppressed patients is a long-acting dual regimen administered parenterally with a pair of intramuscular injections once every two months. Patients who have failed multiple ART regimens have the option of rescue therapy, which includes the latest antiretroviral drugs fostemsavir and lenacapavir. The elimination of viral reservoirs in cells and the cure of HIV infection remain unattainable goals. Therefore, treatment remains long-term and indefinite. Keywords: human immunodeficiency virus infection, HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART).