<i>BbCFEM7</i> plays an important role in the pathogenicity and gut microbial community formation in the co-infection of <i>Beauveria bassiana</i> with <i>Metarhizium rileyi</i>

This study investigates the role of <i>BbCFEM7</i> in <i>B. bassiana</i> during co-infection with <i>M. rileyi</i> in <i>S. litura</i>. It reveals that <i>BbCFEM7</i> significantly enhances fungal pathogenicity, shortens the time taken for the host to die, and alters gut microbial communities. These findings provide novel insights into the interactions between entomopathogenic fungi, hosts, and gut microbes, offering a theoretical basis for optimizing the application of entomopathogenic fungi in pest control, while also contributing to our understanding of the insect microbiome and immunology.