To study the immunogenicity of EsxA protein of Staphylococcus aureus, the EsxA- pET-28a recombinant plasmid was constructed and the expression product was analyzed by SDS-PAGE and Western blotting after the positive recombinant plasmid was induced by IPTG. Mice were immunized with purified EsxA protein and then the IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a antibody were detected with indirect ELISA. Then the histopathological examination, bacteria loading and immune protection of immunized mice were studied after challenge with S. aureus. The recombinant protein EsxA was successfully induced and expressed. After immunization the EsxA specific antibody titer could reach 1:900. Bacteria loading and pathological damage of liver, spleen and kidney were reduced after immunization with EsxA in the immunized mice. The protection rate of immunized mice was 75%. In conclusion, EsxA protein has good immunogenicity.