To ultimately confirm the role of CXCR7 as an HIV coreceptor, CXCR7-targeting monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) (clones 8F11-M16, 10D1-J16 and 11G8), small molecule CXCR7 inhibitors (CCX771, VUF11207 and TC14012) and the natural CXCR7 chemokine ligands (CXCL11 and CXCL12) were applied in the infection model to demonstrate specific CXCR7 receptor-mediated infection. The gene discussed is ACKR3; the disease is infection.