Objective Listeria monocytogenes is a gram-positive,no spore,food-borne pathogen which causes listeriosis.This article reviews the significance of the virulence factors of L.monocytogenes,which are closely related to its pathogenicity.Method Papers relevant to the virulence factors of L.monocytogenes(for example,LLO,PLC,Inl,ActA,P60) were reviewed.Results LLO is a multi-purpose virulence factor and is essential for escaping from the phagocytic vesicle of the macrophage.L.monocytogenes can produce two kinds of PLC:PI-PLC and PC-PLC,which have also evolved for intracellular growth.ActA is required for its unidirectional actin-based motility within an infected host cell.Inl is related to the invasiveness of L.monocytogenes.The P60 protein is the main original antigen of L.monocytogenes.Conclusion A thorough research to the virulence factors will bring about great impact on the treatment and prevention of listeriosis.