Abstract: With the increase of cancer global incidence in each year,cancer has become a major cause of death in global and public health problem. Anticancer peptides,which could directly kill tumor cells or inhibit the growth and metastasis of cancer cells as well as the formation of tumor blood vessels,almost showing no hemolysis and no damages to normal human cells,has become a focus in new antitumor drug research. The main sources of anticancer peptides can be divided into four categories. Antimicrobial peptides such as Lactoferricin B（Lfcinb）and Cecropin,feature the broad-spectrum and highly effective inhibitory activities to bacteria and other microorganisms,and simultaneously inhibit the proliferation and growth of a variety of cancer cells,thus induce the apoptosis of cancer cells. Peptide hormones such as atrial natriuretic peptide（ANP）and other peptides in the formation process of ANP,having the ability of increasing vascular permeability,antihypertensive,natriuretic,diuresis,vasodilation,regulating water and salt balance and inhibiting cell proliferation in clinic,were recently discovered that they can directly kill tumor cells or inhibit the synthesis of cancer cell DNA,leading to the growth inhibition of cancer cells. Peptide toxins such as bee venom,snake venom,scorpion venom and other strong toxins all showed inhibitory effects on multiple tumors. Endostatin also may prevent the growth and metastasis of cancer cells by suppressing the formation of tumor blood vessels. Anticancer peptides inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells by inducing apoptosis,destroying the membrane structure of cells,altering the pH of cells around or intracellular and enhancing immune response. Therefore,this paper reviewed the sources of anticancer peptides,the mechanism of inhibiting cancer,and analyzed the application prospect of anticancer peptides,providing a reference for the further research and development of anticancer peptides.

Key words: anticancer peptide, cancer peptide sources, anticancer mechanism