The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a retrovirus with a complex life cycle involving the integration of viral genetic material into the host cell genome. HIV primarily targets CD4 T cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells, using the CD4 receptor and a co-receptor, typically CCR5 or CXCR4, for cellular entry. The reverse transcription process, mediated by the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase, results in the conversion of viral RNA into DNA, which is then integrated into the host cell DNA by the viral integrase. Antiretroviral drugs, classified into different classes such as nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), protease inhibitors (PIs), and integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), target various stages of the viral life cycle. Despite the success of antiretroviral therapy (ART), the emergence of drug-resistant strains poses challenges to sustained treatment efficacy. Regular monitoring of viral load and drug resistance testing are essential for adapting treatment regimens and maintaining long-term viral suppression. Ongoing research into novel antiretroviral agents, including long-acting formulations and broadly neutralizing antibodies, aims to improve treatment options and address issues related to adherence. Efforts to develop an HIV vaccine continue, with the goal of inducing protective immune responses against the virus. Advances in gene therapy and genome editing technologies offer new avenues for exploring potential cures or sustained control of HIV infection. Understanding the dynamics of HIV transmission, the factors influencing reservoir establishment and persistence, and the interplay between the virus and the host immune response are active areas of investigation. Research endeavors, including clinical trials and collaborative international initiatives, contribute to the ongoing quest for a comprehensive understanding of HIV pathogenesis and the development of innovative strategies for prevention, treatment, and ultimately, a cure for HIV/AIDS.