The invention relates to antibodies which bind to the CD23 (FCRII) type
II molecule particularly altered antibodies including antibodies which bind to
the CD23 (FCRII) type II molecule characterized by an affinity constant
equal to or greater than 1109 Ka Mol-1, the preparation
of such antibodies, pharmaceutical compositions which contain such antibodies and
their use in therapy particularly in the treatment of autoimmune and inflammatory disorders.