Cell interactions in the bone marrow microenvironment affecting myeloid malignancies

Abstract The bone marrow is a complex tissue in which heterogeneous populations of stromal cells interact with hematopoietic cells to dynamically respond to organismal needs in defense, hemostasis, and oxygen delivery. Physiologic challenges modify stromal/hematopoietic cell interactions to generate changes in blood cell production. When either stroma or hematopoietic cells are impaired, the system distorts. The distortions associated with myeloid malignancy are reviewed here and may provide opportunities for therapeutic intervention.