Can We Realize a Functional Cure of HIV?

Despite significant advances in antiretroviral therapy (ART), which have transformed HIV from a fatal disease into a manageable chronic condition, a definitive cure remains elusive. Functional cure, defined as durable viral remission without ongoing therapy, represents a realistic yet ambitious goal that could drastically reduce global morbidity, mortality, and transmission. Achieving this requires addressing the complex challenges posed by viral reservoirs, immune evasion, and viral latency. Recent advances in gene editing, immunotherapy, and latency-reversing agents offer promising avenues, yet each approach faces scientific, logistical, and ethical hurdles. This article argues that while a sterilizing cure—complete eradication of the virus—is currently impractical, a functional cure may be attainable through coordinated strategies that combine ART, immune modulation, and innovative biomedical interventions. By critically examining current research and emerging technologies, we can envision a future in which HIV is controlled without daily therapy, reshaping both clinical practice and global public health strategies.