microRNA (miRNA) is a class of small non-coding RNA with the length of 18-25 nucleotides, which plays an important role in regulating posttranscriptional level of genes through binding to 3’-untranslated region (UTR) of mRNA. Given its involvement in the development of various human diseases, miRNAs are increasingly becoming new generation biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis, as well as novel therapeutic targets. The disease progression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) might be modified by miRNA through regulating the viral replication or host immune responses induced by HIV-1 infection. Here, the progresses on host miRNAs as potential biomarkers of disease progression in HIV-1 infection, as well as potential targets for antiretroviral therapy are reviewed in the present paper.