In mixed numerology case, the performance of a physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) can be improved by multiplexing PDSCH of one numerology with the channel state information reference signals (CSI-RS) of the other numerology and use of an advanced receiver. However, due to the interference from the PDSCH of the other numerology, the channel estimation for the underlying UE can be impacted if the CSI-RS is corrupted. An adaptive CSI-RS configuration can be deployed where the CSI-RS density is adapted based on the PDSCH transmission of the other numerology. Namely, based on the scheduling decision of the other numerology, the CSI-RS density can be changed. Thus, the impact on channel estimation can be minimized when the data channel of one numerology is multiplexed with the CSI-RS of the other numerology.