Infant mice are extremely susceptible to fatal Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection. They are unable to produce antibody to HSV, and their leukocytes cannot mediate antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) to HSV-infected cells. In order to avoid H-2-dependent effector mechanisms and instead analyze possible in vivo ADCC, a murine model employing adoptive transfer of antibody and human leukocytes was developed. Administration of either human immune globulin or leukocytes i.p. from HSV immune or nonimmune humans could not protect infant C57BL/6 mice from fatal HSV infection. In contrast, a combination of a subneutralizing dilution of globulin and leukocytes from nonimmune or immune human donors, given one day before inoculation, was highly protective against lethal HSV infection. The cells involved included lymphocytes or monocyte-macrophages. At least 5 X 10(6) viable leukocytes (or 1 X 10(6) monocyte-macrophages) and immune serum globulin concentrations as low as 10(-8) were protective. Infected cell monolayer adsorption and DEAE column fractionation demonstrated that the protection by globulin was due to specific antiviral IgG antibody. Protection was n ot seen in animals receiving virus before immune transfer. Protection did not involve synergistic viral neutralization by antibody and cells, as shown by in vitro experiments. Animals receiving globulin and cells, unlike normal infant mice, had circulating antiviral antibody and peritoneal leukocytes able to mediate ADCC to HSV-infected cells. This is the first in vivo evidence for the role of human ADCC. This model also allows for the in vivo evaluation of the ability of cells from immunocompromised humans to curb viral infection.