The present invention provides methods for identifying an agent that specifically binds and/or modulates one topology of a chemokine receptor but not a second topology of the receptor. Such agents are useful as therapeutics for diseases or conditions associated with a particular chemokine receptor topology. Moreover, the agents are useful for detecting a particular topology of a chemokine receptor, thereby diagnosing disease or predisposition for a disease. In addition, the agents are useful for identifying and isolating cells that express a particular topology of a chemokine receptor.