the present invention provides an effective method for the transfection of dendritic cells by non - viral methods . the present invention provides this benefit by incubating dendritic cells and a specified transfection agent . the transfection agent comprises a polynucleotide and microparticles , with the microparticles being comprised of biodegradable polymer and cationic detergent . the dendritic cells and transfection agent are incubated for a time sufficient to transfect the dendritic cells with the polynucleotide .