Antiretroviral therapy is a type of treatment used in the management of infections caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It involves the use of medications that target various stages of the HIV life cycle, such as entry into host cells, replication, and viral maturation. Antiretroviral therapy has been shown to be effective in suppressing HIV replication, reducing viral load, improving immune function, and prolonging the lives of individuals infected with HIV. It is often used in combination with other medications known as highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) to maximize its effectiveness.