• Established a stepwise differentiation protocol for mass production of Sertoli cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESC-SCs), overcoming the low proliferation of mature SCs.
• hESC-SCs express key Sertoli cell markers (GATA4, SOX9, CLDN11, AR) and exhibit immune-modulatory activity comparable to human bone marrow-mesenchymal stem cells.
• Co-transplantation of hESC-SCs with insulin-secreting EndoC-βH1 cells in diabetic mice maintained lower blood glucose levels for 6 months, indicating enhanced graft survival and function.
• hESC-SCs represent a promising cell source for immune modulation in cell transplantation therapy, potentially reducing the need for systemic immunosuppression.