A first cell transmits a virtual cell identifier and state information associated with the virtual cell identifier over an interface to a second cell. The first cell and one or more third cells use the virtual cell identifier for transmissions to first user equipment. The state information indicates one of a plurality of states that indicate whether the virtual cell identifier is associated with at least one non-virtual reference signal for the first cell, the second cell, or one or more third cells. The second cell receives the virtual cell identifier and the state information and transmits the virtual cell identifier and state information over an air interface to second user equipment served by the second cell. The second user equipment performs interference cancellation or suppression of transmissions to the first user equipment based on the virtual cell identifier and the state information.