Columbia University researchers led by Michel Sadelain reported an engineered HLA‑independent T cell (HIT) receptor with ultra‑sensitivity that detects low levels of CD70 and eradicated kidney, ovarian and pancreatic tumors in preclinical models. The HIT platform aims to combine CAR‑like programmability with native T‑cell sensitivity to expand targetable antigen space in solid tumors. The Science paper describes CD70‑HIT cells' ability to recognize cells with vanishingly small target expression, potentially unlocking 'stealth' tumor antigens that traditional CARs miss. Authors highlighted the approach as a blueprint for designing next‑generation receptors to broaden solid tumor indications. Translational note: Preclinical tumor eradication is promising, but sensitivity must be balanced with off‑tumor safety; developers will need robust target expression and safety assays before clinical translation.